Airbus’ new A330-200F freighter demonstrates its value in service with Malaysia’s MASkargo

MASkargo’s operational experience is proving the A330-200F’s capabilities as a highly efficient, reliable and profitable freighter on a variety of international cargo flights.

Since receiving its initial A330-200F in September, this freight subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines has been flying the aircraft nearly continually, performing service to destinations in Europe, Japan, Australia and China – with an emphasis on charters. Clothing, livestock, vehicles and general cargo have been carried in these operations.

MASkargo has four A330-200Fs on order, and the carrier took delivery of its second freighter this week, immediately flying the aircraft to Dubai with a humanitarian payload of high-energy food for the United Nation’s Humanitarian Response Depot in the emirate. The airline’s remaining two A330-200F deliveries are expected in 2012.

“We’ve been using our no. 1 aircraft with almost no interruption, and receiving our second aircraft gives us some breathing room,” explained Captain Raja Yazid Raja Jallaludin, MASkargo’s Head of Flight Operations, Business Development and Freighter Services. “The A330-200F will allow us greater flexibility to develop new trade lanes between Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia – which may not be viable using a larger-capacity aircraft.”

He said the aircraft will provide MASkargo the opportunity to grow capacity, as it can serve more markets with greater frequencies while significantly reducing operating costs and maximizing profit potential through growth, even in the current challenging business environment.

Another operational advantage of A330-200F is its high degree of commonality with Malaysia Airlines’ A330 passenger jetliner fleet, allowing pilots to switch between aircraft types for true scheduling flexibility. In addition, the A330-200F’s fuel efficiency supports the carrier’s strategy to be environmentally responsible as it greatly reduces the carbon footprint in 2012.